Suns president on promotion: ‘Putting our money where our mouths are’

The Phoenix Suns made national news Friday, and it had nothing to do with Alvin Gentry’s 7-9 squad.

Just days after the team’s 40-point blowout loss in Detroit, the organization announced a rather unorthodox promotion for their next home contest against the Dallas Mavericks on December 6.

The promotion, which is being called “It’s Guaranteed Night,” will allow every patron who comes to US Airways Arena to watch the Suns take on O.J. Mayo and the Mavericks the opportunity to have their ticket refunded if they leave unhappy with their respective game experience.

While the Suns actually have a decent home record (5-3) so far this season, Suns president Jason Rowley said the idea actually came during the team’s two-game losing streak against the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat.

“Usually fans are interested in wins and losses, I mean that’s what everyone is interested in,” Rowley told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug & Wolf Friday. “But the one thing we had realized very early on with this team during our first eight home games, they were bringing it every night with a high level of energy and a high level of action.

“There was a positive vibe in the arena. That was happening on games where we were winning and games we were losing. More surprisingly in games we had lost, in particular the Miami and Chicago games, when people would usually leave with the heads down and be quiet, all of us noticed the fans were still positive and there was an electricity in the building…That was something we needed to capitalize on.”

The timing of the upcoming promotion may not be an accident, as December 6 will be the first time this season Phoenix plays in a nationally-televised game. And while the gimmicky promotion likely has something to do with putting more butts in the seats, Rowley said it’s also a chance for the front office to support their on-court product.

“We are willing to put our money where our mouths are,” said Rowley. “We are basically telling our fans that if they come out to the game they are going to have a good time.”

While Rowley thinks it’s a chance for he and the organization to stand behind their team, their product and the entire franchise, he said in the end its about ensuring the best possible in-game experience. Regardless of the game’s outcome, the Suns president wanted to assure fans that they can still ask for a refund if some aspect of their trip to US Airways Center was unpleasant.

Although the Suns have built up a loyal fan base since coming to the Valley in 1968, Rowley admitted the organization understands that selling tickets during current economic times is about providing the best possible experience and the best possible value.